India's passport power has diminished, according to the latest Henley Passport Index, falling to 85th position in 2025, a drop of five places from its 80th position in 2024. This decline reflects a decrease in the number of countries Indian passport holders can access without a prior visa, now standing at 57 destinations, compared to 59 last year.
The Henley Passport Index, which has been tracking global mobility for the past 20 years, ranks passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access visa-free. The index utilizes data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and is updated regularly.
Over the years, India's ranking has seen considerable fluctuation. The country's highest position was 71st in 2006, while its lowest was 90th in 2021. This year's decline continues a fluctuating trend, mirroring shifts in global travel policies and India's evolving diplomatic relations. Despite the recent drop, Indian citizens still enjoy visa-free entry to 12 destinations, including Bhutan, Indonesia, Mauritius, Nepal, and Trinidad and Tobago. Additionally, they can obtain a visa on arrival in 27 countries, such as Sri Lanka, Maldives, Jordan, and Qatar.
Meanwhile, Singapore has retained its position as the country with the most powerful passport in the world. Its citizens can now visit 193 destinations without a prior visa. South Korea and Japan follow closely, highlighting Asia's growing dominance in global travel.
Several European nations also continue to hold strong positions in the top 10, including Germany, Italy, Spain and Switzerland. These countries benefit from stable diplomacy and open travel policies.
Notably, the United States has fallen out of the top 10 for the first time in two decades, now ranking 12th alongside Malaysia. This marks a significant shift, as the U.S. held the top spot in 2014. The decline is attributed to a series of access changes, including Brazil's withdrawal of visa-free access for U.S. citizens and China's more welcoming policies towards European countries.
China, in contrast, has been one of the fastest climbers in the Henley Passport Index over the past decade, moving from 94th place in 2015 to 64th in 2025. This improvement reflects China's increased openness and diplomatic efforts.
The Henley Passport Index considers various factors, including visa requirements, visa-free access, and the overall travel freedom granted to citizens. Each passport is checked against 227 possible travel destinations, and a score is assigned based on whether a visa is required.
Other South Asian countries' rankings include Pakistan at 103rd, Nepal at 101st and Bangladesh at 100th. Bhutan fares slightly better at 92nd.
